Chefs Latinos Food Donation- COMMUNITY EVENT

Press Release
 
Chefs Latinos Partner with National City Chamber Foundation and Food Security Champions on Community Food Drive
Southwestern College to Host Drive Up Event
 
(National City, Ca – July 13, 2020) Chefs Latinos partners with National City Chamber Foundation, Southwestern College, NALEO Educational Fund, and community partners to provide free meals to families in need in National City and the South Bay. The food drive, set for July 13, 2020 from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm at Southwestern College, was envisioned by Antonio Alcaraz and his coalition of Latin American chefs from Mexico, South America, and California. Alcaraz quickly identified National City as the beneficiary of their charitable contribution. “National City is a food dessert with limited access to healthy, affordable and culturally appropriate nourishment. Today, residents face unprecedented unemployment rates of 33%. Partnering with Chefs Latinos is a welcomed opportunity during these challenging times to provide hunger relief to our community,” shares Jacqueline Reynoso, President of the National City Chamber Foundation.
 
Participants will access the food donation event by car only, and enter the Southwestern College parking lot via Roosevelt Ave & West 9^th Street. Cars will advance to the top level of the parking lot. They will be greeted by volunteers and asked to open their trunk to receive the food donation.  Social distancing protocols will be enforced.  All beneficiaries will be asked to maintain their windows closed, and wear their face coverings if they come within 6 feet of physical contact with organizers and volunteers. *Food donations will be provided until supplies last.
 
Chefs Latinos was formed in 2018 by Antonio Alcaraz as an initiative to unite Latin American chefs that share a passion for culinary arts. Their goal is to share their artistry, their history, creativity, and in particular, their country’s cultural roots with the world. Together, they participate in food drives all over the globe.  Antonio shares, “We do these events from the heart. We believe that humanity is fueled by compassion and the ability to share our talents for the greater good.”  Chefs Beto Gonzalez, JA Fuentes, Jacqueline Caro, Jorge Vargas, and Joseluis Garcia will be on site on July 13 with freshly prepped dishes to bring joy and comfort to 1,000 individuals.
 
Chefs Latinos’ commitment and passion to serve National City, CA inspired other to join the cause.  Southwestern College will host the food donation event at their parking lot located behind the Higher Education Center in National City at Roosevelt and West 9^th Street.  NALEO Educational Foundation and the “Hagase Contar” campaign, a US Census outreach partner of the National City Chamber Foundation, will be on site to promote the importance of the census and its impact on food security.  Murphy’s Produce with Purpose, a local food distribution site in National City, CA, is providing 300 boxes of produce to supplement the 1,000 meals provided by Chefs Latinos. San Diego Innovation High School will be donating tote bags, while Shryne Group and nonprofit organization, 86 Sanitizer.org, are providing face masks and hand sanitizers to keep volunteers and households germ free during the food drive. Mundo Gardens, a grass roots organization dedicated to health and wellness education through music, arts, and nature, is partnering to deliver volunteers and good vibes for this event. 
 
Volunteers may sign up at www.volunteersignup.org/AFXBB 
 
Media and promotional support provided by National City Chamber of Commerce, Univision San Diego, Azteca TV, and La Poderosa.
 
Corporate and media sponsors, contact event organizers to support this critical food security event at thechamber@nationalcitychamber.org.
  
Facebook Event Page:  https://www.facebook.com/events/3059587724160032/
 
WHEN:  Monday, July 13, 2020 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
 
WHERE:  Southwestern College Higher Education Center, 880 National City Blvd. *Enter drive up event at parking lot off Roosevelt Ave. & West 9^th Street.
 
Learn more about Chefs Latinos: Facebook.com/chefs.latinos 

About National City Chamber Foundation: The National City Chamber Foundation is a local 501c(3) nonprofit organization. The Foundation works to primarily benefit the residents and businesses of National City, California in the areas of community development, civic engagement, education, job training, and assistance to local businesses. Funded programs areas include 1) Inclusive Economic Development 2) Community Development 3) Sustainability 4) Workforce Development. Learn more at www.nationalcitychamber.org
 
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